Electrofluidic display pixels

ABSTRACT

A display pixel includes a first fluid channel, a second fluid channel in flow communication with the first fluid channel, and a third fluid channel in flow communication with the second fluid channel. The first fluid channel includes a first fluid having a first color characteristic. The second fluid channel includes a second fluid having a second color characteristic, and the third fluid channel includes a third fluid having a third color characteristic. A display apparatus includes a plurality of the display pixels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates generally to display systems and, moreparticularly, to electrofluidic display pixels usable in displays anddisplay systems.

Mobile devices, such as cell phones, tablet computing devices, andlaptops, are ubiquitous in today's society. Since mobile devices areused in a variety of environments, the devices may experiencesignificant wear and tear, and may also be damaged as a result of beingdropped, scratched, and the like. To prevent such damage, users of thedevices often place a cover, case, or other protective material over atleast a portion of the device. For example, cell phone users often placea protective cover on the cell phones to reduce a likelihood of the cellphones being damaged.

Users of mobile devices often wish to customize or personalize theirdevices. Accordingly, some users select covers or cases that have aparticular color or design that appeals to the users. If the users wantto change the color or design on the cover, the users typically must buya new cover having the desired color or design. However, if the userswant to frequently change the color or design for their mobile devices,the costs and burden of buying new covers may be prohibitive.Accordingly, users may be forced to choose between spending significantamounts of money on different covers, or foregoing the opportunity tofully customize the look of the mobile devices by only buying one or afew covers with selected colors or images.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a display apparatus includes a plurality of displaypixels. Each display pixel includes a first fluid channel, a secondfluid channel in flow communication with the first fluid channel, and athird fluid channel in flow communication with the second fluid channel.The first fluid channel includes a first fluid having a first colorcharacteristic, the second fluid channel includes a second fluid havinga second color characteristic, and the third fluid channel includes athird fluid having a third color characteristic.

In another embodiment, a display pixel includes a first fluid channel, asecond fluid channel in flow communication with the first fluid channel,and a third fluid channel in flow communication with the second fluidchannel. The first fluid channel includes a first fluid having a firstcolor characteristic, the second fluid channel includes a second fluidhaving a second color characteristic, and the third fluid channelincludes a third fluid having a third color characteristic.

In yet another embodiment, a method of displaying a selected colorcharacteristic within a display pixel includes providing a display pixelfor use in displaying an image. The display pixel includes a viewablearea, a first fluid channel including a first fluid having a first colorcharacteristic, and a second fluid channel in flow communication withthe first fluid channel. The display pixel also includes a third fluidchannel in flow communication with the second fluid channel. The secondfluid channel includes a second fluid having a second colorcharacteristic, and the third fluid channel including a third fluidhaving a third color characteristic. The first, second, or third colorcharacteristic is selected. Upon a determination that the second colorcharacteristic is selected, at least one electrical signal is generatedto move the second fluid into the viewable area. Upon a determinationthat the third color characteristic is selected, at least one electricalsignal is generated to move the third fluid into the viewable area. Upona determination that the first color characteristic is selected, atleast one electrical signal is generated to move the first fluid intothe viewable area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary display pixel.

FIG. 2 is a side view of another exemplary display pixel.

FIG. 3 is a side view of another exemplary display pixel.

FIG. 4 is a side view of another exemplary display pixel.

FIG. 5 is a side view of yet another exemplary display pixel.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary display system that may beused with the display pixels shown in FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary macro pixel that may be usedwith the display system shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary display system that may beused with the pixels and system shown in FIGS. 1-7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Display pixels described herein may be used to display full color imagesto a user while using substantially less power than other knowntechnologies. Each display pixel may be addressed and/or controlled todisplay a selectable color or combination of colors, for example, toreproduce desired text and/or images. In addition, as described herein,display pixels are multistable display elements that only require powerto switch from one color to another color. Accordingly, the displaypixels may be used in a variety of devices and embodiments to displayvibrant color and to maintain the displayed color without consumingpower. Therefore, the display pixels may maintain the displayed color orcolors for days, weeks, or longer without using power.

The display pixels may be combined together in an array, sheet, or otherarrangement to provide a display layer. The display layer may bedisposed on top of, beneath, or between other suitable layers ofmaterial to provide a cover or a skin for one or more devices. Forexample, the display layer may be disposed between one or more layers oftransparent thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or another protectivetransparent material to form a protective cover or skin for a mobiledevice, such as a cell phone or a tablet computing device. It should berecognized that the display pixels and the display elements formed bythe display pixels may be used in any suitable display or cover asdesired. For example, the display pixels may be used in an e-reader or atablet, an electric sign, a billboard, a wallpaper, a presentationboard, and the like.

FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary display pixel 100.In an exemplary embodiment, display pixel 100 uses electrofluidictechnology to achieve bistable or multistable display of one or moreselected colors. Accordingly, display pixel 100 may sometimes bereferred to as an electrofluidic pixel or cell.

In an exemplary embodiment, display pixel 100 includes one or moresupport structures 102. While one support structure 102 is illustratedin FIG. 1 (i.e., on the left side of display pixel 100), it should berecognized that additional support structures 102 may be included, suchas a support structure 102 on the right side of display pixel 100.Alternatively, display pixel 100 may not include a support structure102. Support structure 102 provides support to display pixel 100 toprevent or reduce an amount of deformation that may otherwise occur ifdisplay pixel 100 is compressed or otherwise subjected to force in avertical direction. For example, if a plurality of display pixels 100 isincorporated into a cover or a skin for a mobile device, supportstructures 102 of display pixels 100 may provide impact resistance andmay protect components of display pixel 100 from impact. Supportstructure 102 may be manufactured from a thermoplastic material, asilicon material, or any other suitable material that resistscompression in the vertical direction. As used herein, the term“vertical direction” refers to a direction substantially aligned with adirection of view 104 of a viewer observing display pixel 100.

Display pixel 100 includes one or more sections or walls, such as a topwall 106 (sometimes referred to as a topstrate), a right wall 108, aleft wall 110, and a bottom wall 112 (sometimes referred to as asubstrate). An inner structure 114 may also be included within displaypixel 100. In addition, a plurality of fluid channels is defined withindisplay pixel 100 for transporting one or more fluids. Morespecifically, in an exemplary embodiment, a first or top fluid channel116, a second or right fluid channel 118, a third or bottom fluidchannel 120, and a fourth or left fluid channel 122 are defined withindisplay pixel 100 for transporting a first fluid 124, a second fluid126, a third fluid 128, and a fourth fluid 130, respectively, throughdisplay pixel 100. Alternatively, any suitable number of fluid channelsare defined within display pixel 100 and/or any suitable number offluids may be transported by the fluid channels.

In an exemplary embodiment, each wall may be manufactured form asuitable material that is at least partially flexible to enable displaypixel 100 to be flexed without damaging display pixel 100. In addition,top wall 106 is transparent to enable light to pass through top wall 106into first fluid channel 116. Inner structure 114 may be manufacturedfrom the same material as the material used for walls, or any othersuitable material.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the fluids has approximately thesame volume but has a different color characteristic (i.e., reflectslight of different wavelengths) as compared to each other fluid.Alternatively, one or more of the fluids may be substantially clear ortransparent in color such that the fluid does not provide a recognizablecolor to the viewer (i.e., the fluid may have a transparent colorcharacteristic). In an exemplary embodiment, first fluid 124, secondfluid 126, third fluid 128, and fourth fluid 130 cooperate to present atleast a portion of a subtractive color scheme to the viewer within aviewable area 132 of display pixel 100. For example, first fluid 124 mayhave a cyan color characteristic to present a cyan color to the viewer,second fluid 126 may have a magenta color characteristic to present amagenta color to the viewer, third fluid 128 may have a yellow colorcharacteristic to present a yellow color to the viewer, and fourth fluid130 may have a white or a black color characteristic to present a whiteor black color, respectively, to the viewer. Alternatively, fourth fluid130 may be transparent and an electrode or other circuit element orportion of display pixel 100 that is viewable by the viewer may becolored white or black as desired. Accordingly, in an exemplaryembodiment, the fluids of display pixel 100 and/or one or moreelectrodes of display pixel 100 may cooperate to form a CMY or a CMYKcolor scheme. It should be recognized that 4 display pixels 100, oranother number of display pixels 100, may be grouped together to formthe desired color scheme, with each of the grouped display pixels 100providing a portion of the desired color for a viewing area.Alternatively, the fluids and/or the electrodes (or other portions ofdisplay pixel 100) may cooperate to form any other suitable colorscheme.

In an exemplary embodiment, two of the fluids are water-based and two ofthe fluids are oil-based, with appropriate dyes or colored particulatesdisposed in each fluid to obtain the desired colors for the selectedcolor scheme. The fluids are positioned within the fluid channels suchthat each water-based fluid is separated by an oil-based fluid and eachoil-based fluid is separated by a water-based fluid. Accordingly, thefluids alternate between water-based and oil-based within the fluidchannels. For example, first fluid channel 116 may include a water-basedfirst fluid 124, second fluid channel 118 may include an oil-basedsecond fluid 126, third fluid channel 120 may include a water-basedthird fluid 128, and fourth fluid channel 122 may include an oil-basedfourth fluid 130. As water-based fluids and oil-based fluids aresubstantially immiscible, the fluids are prevented from mixing undernormal operating conditions. The inner surfaces of the fluid channelsare coated with a hydrophobic dielectric material to enable the fluidsto be controlled and moved using electrowetting principles as describedmore fully herein.

In an alternative embodiment, two fluids (e.g., first fluid 124 andthird fluid 128) are ionic fluids and the other two fluids (e.g., secondfluid 126 and fourth fluid 130) are non-ionic fluids. The ionic fluidsmay include, without limitation, one or more salts or salt-likechemicals that are liquid at room temperature. The non-ionic fluids mayinclude, without limitation, water or oil, for example. However, thenon-ionic fluids should be chosen to be immiscible with the ionicfluids, and each fluid should be chosen such that one or more colors maybe formed using the fluids. In some embodiments, electrolytic fluids maybe used in place of the ionic fluids.

In addition, display pixel 100 includes a plurality of circuit elements,such as a plurality of electrode groups, positioned proximate to thefluid channels. In an exemplary embodiment, a first electrode groupincludes a first top source electrode 134, a second top source electrode136, a third top source electrode 138, and a top ground electrode 140. Asecond electrode group includes a first side source electrode 142, asecond side source electrode 144, a third side source electrode 146, anda side ground electrode 148. The first electrode group is positionedabout first fluid channel 116 such that first top source electrode 134,second top source electrode 136, and third top source electrode 138 arecoupled to top wall 106 and are positioned above first fluid channel116. Top ground electrode 140 is coupled to inner structure 114 and ispositioned below first fluid channel 116. Likewise, the second electrodegroup is positioned about second fluid channel 118 such that first sidesource electrode 142, second side source electrode 144, and third sidesource electrode 146 are coupled to right wall 108 and are positioned tothe right of second fluid channel 118. Side ground electrode 148 iscoupled to inner structure 114 and is positioned to the left of secondfluid channel 118. All directions described herein are in reference todirection of view 104. Alternatively, the electrodes in the firstelectrode group and/or the second electrode group may be arranged in anysuitable position with respect to any of the fluid channels.

In an exemplary embodiment, the electrodes positioned within, or coupledto, top wall 106 are transparent to enable light entering display pixel100 to pass through the electrodes to the fluid channel (i.e., firstfluid channel 116). For example, the top electrodes (first top sourceelectrode 134, second top source electrode 136, and third top sourceelectrode 138 in the example illustrated in FIG. 1) may be manufacturedfrom indium tin oxide or another suitable transparent, conductivematerial. In addition, the electrode or electrodes positioned within, orcoupled to, a top surface of inner structure 114 (i.e., top groundelectrode 140 in the example illustrated in FIG. 1) is reflective toreflect any light passing through the fluid in first fluid channel 116back to the viewer. For example, top ground electrode 140 may bemanufactured from aluminum or another suitable reflective, conductivematerial. Accordingly, if the fluid in first fluid channel 116 istransparent, display pixel 100 will appear white as most of the lightpasses through the top electrodes and the fluid in first fluid channelwithout being absorbed, and the light is reflected back to the viewer bytop ground electrode 140. However, if the fluid in first fluid channel116 is colored, display pixel 100 will appear to have the color of thefluid as only light having the perceived color of the fluid will bereflected back towards the viewer. While top ground electrode 140 isdescribed as being reflective herein, it should be recognized that topground electrode 140 may be colored with any suitable color tocomplement the color scheme selected for display pixel 100.

While 3 source electrodes are displayed for the first electrode groupand 3 source electrodes are displayed for the second electrode group, itshould be recognized that any suitable number of source electrodes maybe used for the first electrode group and the second electrode group. Inaddition, while four fluid channels are displayed for transporting fourfluids, it should be recognized that any suitable number of fluidsand/or fluid channels may be used. For example, two or more fluids maybe positioned in each fluid channel, or in any number of fluid channels.

Likewise, while two electrode groups are shown (i.e., the firstelectrode group and the second electrode group), it should be recognizedthat additional groups of electrodes may be used within display pixel100. For example, using additional groups of electrodes may enabledisplay pixel 100 to transport additional fluids, or fluids withdifferent properties.

In addition, the two groups of electrodes may be positioned inalternative locations with respect to fluid channels. For example, thefirst electrode group may be positioned about third fluid channel 120(i.e., at the bottom of display pixel 100) and/or the second electrodegroup may be positioned about fourth fluid channel 122 (i.e., at theleft side of display pixel 100). Likewise, the position of source andground electrodes may be switched such that ground electrodes arepositioned along the outer surface of the fluid channels (i.e., withinor coupled to top wall 106 for top ground electrode 140 and within orcoupled to right wall 108 for side ground electrode 148) and the sourceelectrodes are positioned along the inner surface of the fluid channels(i.e., within or coupled to inner structure 114).

While top ground electrode 140 and side ground electrode 148 are shownas being separate from each other in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, topground electrode 140 and side ground electrode 148 may be coupledtogether or may be formed as a single unitary ground electrode.

During operation, display pixel 100 may be used to display a portion,such as a colored pixel, of a larger color image and/or text. A viewermay look at display pixel 100 along direction of view 104. As displaypixel 100 is controlled as described herein, a selected or controllablecolor is displayed to, or perceived by, the viewer.

The fluids in display pixel 100 are moved using electrowettingprinciples. More specifically, a voltage applied across a sourceelectrode and a ground electrode provides a charge along the sourceelectrode that changes the hydrophobicity of the dielectric materialalong the source electrode. Accordingly, a water-based fluid proximateto the source electrode is attracted to the source electrode byelectrowetting principles known in the art.

Therefore, in an example in which first fluid 124 and third fluid 128are water-based fluids, and second fluid 126 and fourth fluid 130 areoil-based fluids, the water-based fluids may be attracted to sourceelectrodes by applying a voltage across the top source electrodes andthe opposing ground electrode. For example, applying a voltage acrosstop ground electrode 140 and each of first top source electrode 134,second top source electrode 136, and third top source electrode 138causes first fluid 124 to move into first fluid channel 116. Since firstfluid 124 is immiscible with second fluid 126 and fourth fluid 130, themovement of first fluid 124 into first fluid channel 116 causes secondfluid 126 to enter second fluid channel 118 and causes fourth fluid 130to move into fourth fluid channel 122. Similarly, the immiscibility ofthird fluid 128 with respect to second fluid 126 and fourth fluid 130causes third fluid 128 to move into third fluid channel 120. Since firstfluid 124 fills viewable area 132, the viewer observes display pixel 100as having the color of first fluid 124.

If it is desirable to cause display pixel 100 to display the color offourth fluid 130, for example, first fluid 124 may be moved into secondfluid channel 118 to cause second fluid 126 to enter third fluid channel120, third fluid 128 to enter fourth fluid channel 122, and fourth fluid130 to enter first fluid channel 116. A first step of moving first fluid124 into second fluid channel 118 (and thereby moving fourth fluid intofirst fluid channel 116) includes deactivating (i.e., removing a voltagefrom) first top source electrode 134 and by activating (i.e., applying avoltage to) second top source electrode 136, third top source electrode138, and first side source electrode 142. This first step causes firstfluid 124 to partially move towards second fluid channel 118 and becomesubstantially aligned with second top source electrode 136, third topsource electrode 138, and first side source electrode 142. At thispoint, fourth fluid 130 fills approximately ⅓ of viewable area 132 (thearea under first top source electrode 134) and first fluid 124 fills theremaining ⅔ of viewable area 132 (the area under second top sourceelectrode 136 and third top source electrode 138).

A second step of the movement of fourth fluid 130 into first fluidchannel 116 includes deactivating second top source electrode 136 andactivating third top source electrode 138, first side source electrode142, and second side source electrode 144 to cause first fluid 124 tomove into alignment with third top source electrode 138, first sidesource electrode 142, and second side source electrode 144. At thispoint, fourth fluid 130 fills approximately ⅔ of viewable area 132 (thearea under first top source electrode 134 and second top sourceelectrode 136) and first fluid 124 fills the remaining ⅓ of viewablearea 132 (the area under third top source electrode 138).

A third and final step of the movement of fourth fluid 130 into firstfluid channel 116 includes deactivating third top source electrode 138and activating first side source electrode 142, second side sourceelectrode 144, and third side source electrode 146 such that first fluid124 moves into alignment with first side source electrode 142, secondside source electrode 144, and third side source electrode 146. At thispoint, fourth fluid 130 fills viewable area 132 (i.e., the area underfirst top source electrode 134, second top source electrode 136, andthird top source electrode 138) such that display pixel 100 presents thecolor of fourth fluid 130 to the viewer. It should be recognized thatsince second fluid 126 and fourth fluid 130 are oil-based fluids, secondfluid 126 and fourth fluid 130 are not able to be moved directly by theelectrowetting principles described herein. Rather, second fluid 126 andfourth fluid 130 are moved indirectly as a result of the interstitialpressures exerted on the fluids by first fluid 124 and third fluid 128as first fluid 124 and/or third fluid 128 are acted upon by theelectrodes. The three step process described above may be used to ensurethat first fluid 124 is moved into second fluid channel 128 by thesecond group of electrodes, rather than third fluid 128 being moved intosecond fluid channel 128.

Third fluid 128 may be moved into first fluid channel 116 using similarmechanisms. More specifically, the first step of the movement of thirdfluid 128 into first fluid channel 116 includes activating first topsource electrode 134 (while second top source electrode 136 and thirdtop source electrode 138 are deactivated) and activating second sidesource electrode 144 and third side source electrode 146 (while firstside source electrode 142 is deactivated). The activation of first topsource electrode 134 (and the deactivation of second top sourceelectrode 136 and third top source electrode 138), along with theactivation of second side source electrode 144 and third side sourceelectrode 146 (and the deactivation of first side source electrode 142),causes third fluid 128 to be drawn towards first fluid channel 116rather than first fluid 124 being drawn back into first fluid channel116. Accordingly, first fluid 124 is drawn towards an intersection ofsecond fluid channel 118 and third fluid channel 120, and third fluid128 is drawn towards an intersection of fourth fluid channel 122 andfirst fluid channel 116. At this point, third fluid 128 fillsapproximately ⅓ of viewable area 132 (the area under first top sourceelectrode 134) and fourth fluid 130 fills the remaining ⅔of viewablearea 132 (the area under second top source electrode 136 and third topsource electrode 138).

The second step of the movement of third fluid 128 into first fluidchannel 116 includes activating first top source electrode 134 andsecond top source electrode 136 (while third top source electrode 138 isdeactivated) and activating third side source electrode 146 (while firstside source electrode 142 and second side source electrode 144 aredeactivated). At this point, third fluid 128 fills approximately ⅔ ofviewable area 132 (the area under first top source electrode 134 andsecond top source electrode 136) and fourth fluid 130 fills theremaining ⅓ of viewable area 132 (the area under third top sourceelectrode 138).

The third and final step of the movement of third fluid 128 into firstfluid channel 116 includes activating first top source electrode 134,second top source electrode 136 and third top source electrode 138 whilefirst side source electrode 142, second side source electrode 144, andthird side source electrode 146 are deactivated. At this point, thirdfluid 128 fills viewable area 132 (i.e., the area under first top sourceelectrode 134, second top source electrode 136, and third top sourceelectrode 138) such that display pixel 100 presents the color of thirdfluid 128 to the viewer.

Finally, second fluid 126 may be moved into first fluid channel 116using similar mechanisms. More specifically, the first step of movingsecond fluid 126 into first fluid channel 116 (i.e, by moving thirdfluid 128 into second fluid channel 118) includes deactivating first topsource electrode 134 and by activating second top source electrode 136,third top source electrode 138, and first side source electrode 142.This first step causes third fluid 128 to partially move towards secondfluid channel 118 and become substantially aligned with second topsource electrode 136, third top source electrode 138, and first sidesource electrode 142. At this point, second fluid 126 fillsapproximately ⅓ of viewable area 132 (the area under first top sourceelectrode 134) and third fluid 128 fills the remaining ⅔ of viewablearea 132 (the area under second top source electrode 136 and third topsource electrode 138).

A second step of the movement of second fluid 126 into first fluidchannel 116 includes deactivating second top source electrode 136 andactivating third top source electrode 138, first side source electrode142, and second side source electrode 144 to cause third fluid 128 tomove into alignment with third top source electrode 138, first sidesource electrode 142, and second side source electrode 144. At thispoint, second fluid 126 fills approximately ⅔ of viewable area 132 (thearea under first top source electrode 134 and second top sourceelectrode 136) and third fluid 128 fills the remaining ⅓ of viewablearea 132 (the area under third top source electrode 138).

A third and final step of the movement of second fluid 126 into firstfluid channel 116 includes deactivating third top source electrode 138and activating first side source electrode 142, second side sourceelectrode 144, and third side source electrode 146 such that third fluid128 moves into alignment with first side source electrode 142, secondside source electrode 144, and third side source electrode 146. At thispoint, second fluid 126 fills viewable area 132 (i.e., the area underfirst top source electrode 134, second top source electrode 136, andthird top source electrode 138) such that display pixel 100 presents thecolor of second fluid 126 to the viewer.

If desired, each fluid may only be partially moved into first fluidchannel 116 to enable a mix of colors to be displayed. For example,fourth fluid 130 may be moved into first fluid channel 116 to align withfirst top source electrode 134 while first fluid 124 remains alignedwith second top source electrode 136 and third top source electrode 138.In such a manner, the color displayed to the viewer would be a mixtureof ⅓ the color of fourth fluid 130 and ⅔ the color of first fluid 124.Other combinations may be created as desired. In addition, the abovedescription assumes that each electrode is activated with the samevoltage. However, different voltages may be applied to the electrodes tovary the degree that first fluid 124 and/or third fluid 128 is drawntowards the electrodes. In such a manner, further control may beprovided over the percentages of each color displayed to the viewer. Forexample, during the first step of the movement of fourth fluid 130 intofirst fluid channel 116, second top source electrode 136 may have ahigher voltage applied than the voltage applied to third top sourceelectrode 138 and first side source electrode 142 to enable a smalleramount of first fluid 124 to enter second fluid channel 118. In such amanner, smaller amounts of fourth fluid 130 may be drawn into firstfluid channel 116. Accordingly, different mixtures of colors from firstfluid 124 and fourth fluid 130 may be displayed to the viewer, such as acolor formed from about 10% of fourth fluid 130 and about 90% of firstfluid 124, or about 25% of fourth fluid 130 and about 75% of first fluid124, for example. The other fluids of display pixel 100 may becontrolled in a similar manner as described herein.

It should be recognized that display pixel 100 is multistable inoperation. For example, if power is removed from display pixel 100, thefluids remain in their positions due to the substantially balancedinterstitial forces and surface tensions within each fluid channel.Accordingly, voltage may be applied to the electrodes to move the fluidsinto desired positions within the fluid channels to display the desiredcolor to the viewer, and the voltage may then be removed withoutaffecting or changing the color displayed to the user. As such, adesired color may be provided by display pixel 100, theoreticallyindefinitely, in the absence of power to display pixel 100.

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary display pixel 200.Unless otherwise specified, display pixel 200 is similar to displaypixel 100 (shown in FIG. 1) and similar components are labeled in FIG. 2with the same reference numerals used in FIG. 1.

In an exemplary embodiment, display pixel 200 includes 4 groups ofelectrodes instead of 2 groups of electrodes described in FIG. 1. Morespecifically, display pixel 200 includes a first group of electrodes, asecond group of electrodes, a third group of electrodes, and a fourthgroup of electrodes.

The first group of electrodes includes a top source electrode 202 and atop ground electrode 204 that are positioned about first fluid channel116. For example, top source electrode 202 is coupled to, or positionedwithin, top wall 106 above first fluid channel 116 and top groundelectrode 204 is coupled to, or positioned within, a top portion ofinner structure 114 beneath first fluid channel 116. The second group ofelectrodes includes a right source electrode 206 and a right groundelectrode 208 that are positioned about second fluid channel 118. Forexample, right source electrode 206 is coupled to, or positioned within,right wall 108 to the right of second fluid channel 118 and right groundelectrode 208 is coupled to, or positioned within, a right portion ofinner structure 114 to the left of second fluid channel 118. The thirdgroup of electrodes includes a bottom source electrode 210 and a bottomground electrode 212 that are positioned about third fluid channel 120.For example, bottom source electrode 210 is coupled to, or positionedwithin, bottom wall 112 below third fluid channel 120 and bottom groundelectrode 212 is coupled to, or positioned within, a bottom portion ofinner structure 114 above third fluid channel 120. The fourth group ofelectrodes includes a left source electrode 214 and a left groundelectrode 216. For example, left source electrode 214 is coupled to, orpositioned within, left wall 110 to the left of fourth fluid channel 122and left ground electrode 216 is coupled to, or positioned within, aleft portion of inner structure 114 to the right of fourth fluid channel122.

It should be recognized that a position of one or more of the sourceelectrodes may be switched with a position of one or more groundelectrodes. Moreover, it should be recognized that one or more of thesource electrodes may be split into two or more source electrodes. Forexample, each of the source electrodes may be split into 3 sourceelectrodes as shown in FIG. 1 or into any number of electrodes.

In an exemplary embodiment, top source electrode 202 is transparent toenable light entering display pixel 200 to pass through the electrodesto the fluid channel (i.e., first fluid channel 116) in a similar manneras described above with reference to FIG. 1. In addition, top groundelectrode 204 is reflective to reflect any light passing through thefluid in first fluid channel 116 back to the viewer as described abovewith reference to FIG. 1, or may have any suitable color.

While the ground electrodes (top ground electrode 204, right groundelectrode 208, bottom ground electrode 212, and left ground electrode216) are shown as being separate from each other in FIG. 1, in oneembodiment, one or more of the ground electrodes may be coupled togetheror may be formed as a single unitary ground electrode.

During operation, display pixel 200 may be used to display a portion,such as a colored pixel, of a larger color image in a similar manner asdescribed with reference to FIG. 1. The following operation of displaypixel 200 is based on first fluid 124 initially being positioned withinfirst fluid channel 116 such that the color of first fluid 124 isdisplayed or provided to the viewer.

If it is desirable to cause display pixel 200 to display the color offourth fluid 130, for example, first fluid 124 may be moved into secondfluid channel 118 to cause second fluid 126 to enter third fluid channel120, third fluid 128 to enter fourth fluid channel 122, and fourth fluid130 to enter first fluid channel 116. A first step of moving first fluid124 into second fluid channel 118 (and thereby moving fourth fluid intofirst fluid channel 116) includes activating top source electrode 202and right source electrode 206 while bottom source electrode 210 andleft source electrode 214 are deactivated. This first step causes firstfluid 124 to partially move into second fluid channel 118. If the samevoltages are used to activate top source electrode 202 and right sourceelectrode 206, first fluid 124 moves about halfway into second fluidchannel 118 such that fourth fluid 130 fills approximately ½ of viewablearea 132 and first fluid 124 fills the remaining ½ of viewable area 132.

A second step of the movement of fourth fluid 130 into first fluidchannel 116 includes deactivating top source electrode 202 (with bottomsource electrode 210 and left source electrode 214 remainingdeactivated) and activating right source electrode 206 to cause firstfluid to move into alignment with right source electrode 206. As aresult, fourth fluid 130 the entire area of viewable area 132. As firstfluid 124 and third fluid 128 are movable by electrowetting processes inthe example described herein, it should be recognized that the two stepprocess may be required to move first fluid 124 into second fluidchannel 118 without third fluid 128 inadvertently being moved intosecond fluid channel 118 instead.

With fourth fluid 130 filling the viewable area 132 (i.e., first fluidchannel 116), third fluid 128 may be moved into first fluid channel 116using a similar two step method as described herein, with the exceptionthat right source electrode 206 and bottom source electrode 210 may beused to move first fluid 124 into bottom fluid channel 120 to causethird fluid 128 to move into first fluid channel 116. Likewise, oncethird fluid 128 is moved into first fluid channel 116 to fill theviewable area 132, second fluid 126 may be moved into first fluidchannel 116 using the same two step method as described with respect tothe movement of fourth fluid 130 into first fluid channel 116.

Additionally or alternatively, other source electrodes may be used tomove the fluids into different fluid channels. For example, while fourthfluid 130 is described as being moved into first fluid channel 116 bymoving first fluid 124 into second fluid channel 118 using top sourceelectrode 202 and right source electrode 206, it should be recognizedthat fourth fluid 130 may be additionally or alternatively moved intofirst fluid channel 116 by acting on third fluid 128 using bottom sourceelectrode 210 and left source electrode 214.

If desired, each fluid may only be partially moved into first fluidchannel 116 to enable a mix of colors to be displayed. For example,different voltages may be applied to the electrodes to vary the degreethat first fluid 124 and/or third fluid 128 is drawn towards theelectrodes in a similar manner as described above with reference to FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary display pixel 300.Unless otherwise specified, display pixel 300 is similar to displaypixel 100 (shown in FIG. 1) and similar components are labeled in FIG. 3with the same reference numerals used in FIG. 1.

In an exemplary embodiment, display pixel 300 includes a plurality ofcircuit elements that are different than the circuit elements used inFIG. 1 to move the fluids through the fluid channels. More specifically,display pixel 300 includes 2 conductive coils instead of 2 groups ofelectrodes described in FIG. 1. More specifically, display pixel 300includes a first coil 302 and a second coil 304. First coil 302 iscoupled to, or positioned within, top wall 106 and a top portion ofinner structure 114, and is positioned about first fluid channel 116 toencircle at least a portion of first fluid channel 116. Second coil 304is coupled to, or positioned within, right wall 108 and a right portionof inner structure 114, and is positioned about second fluid channel 118to encircle at least a portion of second fluid channel 118.

It should be recognized that first coil 302 and/or second coil 304 maybe positioned about a different fluid channel, such as third fluidchannel 120 or fourth fluid channel 122. Moreover, it should berecognized that first coil 302 and/or second coil 304 may be split intotwo or more coils for positioning about one or more fluid channels.Alternatively, one or more coils may be used in addition to first coil302 and second coil 304. For example, a separate coil may be positionedabout each of first fluid channel 116, second fluid channel 118, thirdfluid channel 120, and fourth fluid channel 122. In another embodiment,only one coil, such as first coil 302 or second coil 304, may be used.

In an exemplary embodiment, first coil 302 is transparent to enablelight entering display pixel 300 to pass through first coil 302 to firstfluid channel 116 in a similar manner as described above with referenceto FIG. 1. For example, first coil 302 and/or second coil 304 may bemanufactured from the same materials used to manufacture the electrodesdescribed in FIG. 1, or may be manufactured from any suitableconductive, transparent material. In addition, a reflective coating maybe provided on a top surface of inner structure 114 to reflect lightpassing through the fluid in first fluid channel 116 back to the vieweras described above with reference to FIG. 1.

First coil 302 and second coil 304 move the fluids through fluidchannels using induced magnetic fields as described more fully herein.For example, one or more fluids may be ferrofluids or other fluids thatbecome polarized in the presence of a magnetic field. A magnetic fieldgenerated or induced by electrical current flowing through first coil302 and/or second coil 304 causes movement of the fluid in a directionorthogonal to the current as described herein.

During operation, display pixel 300 may be used to display a portion,such as a colored pixel, of a larger color image. The followingoperation of display pixel 300 is based on first fluid 124 initiallybeing positioned within first fluid channel 116 such that the color offirst fluid 124 is displayed or provided to the viewer. First fluid 124and third fluid 128, in this example, are ferrofluids or other suitablefluids that are movable by magnetic fields generated by first coil 302and/or second coil 304. Moreover, in this example, second fluid 126 andfourth fluid 130 are oils or oil-based fluids that are substantiallyresistant to movement by magnetic fields. Alternatively, any of thefluids may be replaced by any other suitable fluid as desired to operateas described herein.

If it is desirable to cause display pixel 300 to display the color offourth fluid 130, for example, first fluid 124 may be moved into secondfluid channel 118 to cause second fluid 126 to enter third fluid channel120, third fluid 128 to enter fourth fluid channel 122, and fourth fluid130 to enter first fluid channel 116. More specifically, an electricalcurrent is directed through first coil 302 and optionally through secondcoil 304 (i.e., first coil 302 and/or second coil 304 are activated).The current flows in a clockwise direction 306 around first coil 302with reference to a view of first coil 302 along a first flow direction308. The current flow causes a magnetic field to be induced and directedalong first flow direction 308. It should be recognized that a currentdirected through second coil 304 flows through second coil 304 in asimilar manner to induce a magnetic field in a second flow direction 310substantially orthogonal to first flow direction 308.

The magnetic field induced by first coil 302 causes first fluid 124 tomove along first flow direction 308 into second fluid channel 118. Aninterstitial pressure between first fluid 124 and second fluid 126causes second fluid 126 to move along second flow direction 310 intothird fluid channel 120. An interstitial pressure between second fluid126 and third fluid 128 causes third fluid 128 to move along a thirdflow direction 312 into fourth fluid channel 122. Likewise, aninterstitial pressure between third fluid 128 and fourth fluid 130causes fourth fluid 130 to move along a fourth flow direction 314 intofirst fluid channel 116.

Once first fluid 124 has been fully moved into second fluid channel 118(and thus, once fourth fluid 130 has been fully moved into first fluidchannel 116), first coil 302 may be deactivated (i.e., the currentflowing through first coil 302 is removed). Accordingly, at this point,first fluid 124 is positioned within second fluid channel 118, secondfluid 126 is positioned in third fluid channel 120, third fluid 128 ispositioned within fourth fluid channel 122, and fourth fluid 130 ispositioned in first fluid channel 116 such that the color of fourthfluid 130 is displayed to the viewer.

Third fluid 128 may be displayed to the viewer by moving fourth fluid130 into second fluid channel 118, first fluid 124 into third fluidchannel 120, and second fluid 126 into fourth fluid channel 122, thuscausing third fluid 128 to be moved into first fluid channel 116. Toaccomplish this, second coil 304 is activated to cause a magnetic fielddirected along second flow direction 310. The magnetic field operates onfirst fluid 124 to cause first fluid 124 to move in second flowdirection 310 into third fluid channel 120. The movement of first fluid124 into third fluid channel 120 causes second fluid 126 to move alongthird flow direction 312 to enter fourth fluid channel 122, causes thirdfluid 128 to move along fourth flow direction 314 to enter first fluidchannel 116, and causes fourth fluid 130 to move along first flowdirection 308 to enter second fluid channel 118. Accordingly, at thispoint, the color of third fluid 128 is displayed to the viewer.

First coil 302 may be activated to move second fluid 126 into firstfluid channel 116 to display the color of second fluid 126 to theviewer. More specifically, the activation of first coil 302 induces amagnetic field that interacts with third fluid 128 and moves third fluid128 along first flow direction 308 into second fluid channel 118. Fourthfluid 130 is moved into third fluid channel 120 by the interstitialpressure between third fluid 128 and fourth fluid 130. Likewise, firstfluid 124 is moved into fourth fluid channel 122 by the interstitialpressure between fourth fluid 130 and first fluid 124. Second fluid 126is moved into first fluid channel 116 by the interstitial pressurebetween first fluid 124 and second fluid 126 to cause second fluid 126to be viewable by the viewer.

First fluid 124 may be returned to first fluid channel 116 in a similarmanner. More specifically, second coil 304 is activated to magneticallymove third fluid 128 along second flow direction 310 into third fluidchannel 120. The interstitial pressure between third fluid 128 andfourth fluid 130 causes fourth fluid 130 to move along third flowdirection 312 into fourth fluid channel 122. The interstitial pressurebetween fourth fluid 130 and first fluid 124 causes first fluid 124 tomove along fourth flow direction 314 into first fluid channel 116.Likewise, the interstitial pressure between first fluid 124 and secondfluid 126 causes second fluid 126 to move along first flow direction 308into second fluid channel 118. Once first fluid 124 has fully enteredand filled first fluid channel 116, second coil 304 is deactivated andfirst fluid 124 is displayed to the viewer.

If desired, a fluid may only be partially moved into first fluid channel116 to enable a mix of colors to be displayed. For example, differentvoltages may be applied to first coil 302 and second coil 304 to varythe degree that first fluid 124 and/or third fluid 128 is moved alongthe flow directions described herein. Additionally or alternatively,first coil 302 and/or second coil 304 may be only activated for part ofthe time required to move a particular fluid into first fluid channel116. In such an embodiment, the desired fluid may be moved partiallyinto first fluid channel 116 to cause a mix of colors to be displayed tothe viewer (i.e., a mix of the color of the desired fluid and of thecolor of the fluid it partially displaces from first fluid channel 116).

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of another exemplary display pixel400. Unless otherwise specified, display pixel 400 is similar to displaypixel 300 (shown in FIG. 3) and similar components are labeled in FIG. 4with the same reference numerals used in FIG. 3.

In an exemplary embodiment, display pixel 400 includes a plurality ofmovable plugs positioned within the fluid channels to facilitate movingthe fluids through the channels. More specifically, in one embodiment,display pixel 400 includes a first plug 402, a second plug 404, a thirdplug 406, and a fourth plug 408. Alternatively, any suitable number ofplugs may be used within display pixel 400. In an exemplary embodiment,the plugs are manufactured from a metal or a metallic material, such asiron. Alternatively, the plugs may be manufactured from any othermaterial that is movable by magnetic fields.

In addition, the plugs are sized to be substantially equal to a heightof each fluid channel such that the plugs prevent fluids from movingpast the plugs within the fluid channels. Accordingly, as the plugs aremoved through the fluid channels, the plugs push the fluids in thedirection that the plugs are moved. The plugs may also be coated with ahydrophobic material to facilitate preventing water-based fluids frommoving past the plugs during operation.

To move fluids within the fluid channels, display pixel 400 usesmagnetic fields generated by first coil 302 and/or second coil 304 tomove the plugs, rather than using the magnetic fields to operatedirectly on the fluids themselves. Accordingly, the fluids may be movedby causing the plugs to move through the fluid channels, and the plugspush the fluids through the fluid channels. The plugs may be moved in asimilar fashion as described above with reference to FIG. 3. It shouldbe recognized that in embodiments where only one or two coils are used(such as first coil 302 and/or second coil 304), the coil may be used tomove one or more plugs by magnetic fields and the other plugs may bemoved by the interstitial pressure of the fluid or fluids moved by theplug. In other respects, display pixel 400 operates similar to displaypixel 300 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of another exemplary display pixel500. Unless otherwise specified, display pixel 500 is similar to displaypixel 100 (shown in FIG. 1) and similar components are labeled in FIG. 4with the same reference numerals used in FIG. 1.

In an exemplary embodiment, display pixel 500 includes first fluidchannel 116, second fluid channel 118, and third fluid channel 120arranged concentrically with respect to each other about inner structure114. Each fluid channel may include two separate fluids havingapproximately the same volume but having different colors or colorcharacteristics. In an exemplary embodiment, each fluid channel includesone fluid having a predetermined color characteristic to cause apredetermined color to be displayed, and another fluid having atransparent color characteristic (i.e., a color that is substantiallytransparent). Moreover, the colored fluids within each fluid channel aredifferent from each other to enable display pixel 500 to provide adesired color scheme, such as a cyan-magenta-yellow (CMY) color scheme.Additionally, an electrode at the lowest visible position of displaypixel 500 (i.e., an electrode coupled to the top portion of innerstructure 114) may be colored black or white to enable display pixel 500to provide a cyan-magenta-yellow-key (CMYK) color scheme with the keybeing either black or white as desired. Alternatively, each fluidchannel may include any suitable fluids and/or any suitable number offluids as desired.

The following example illustrates display pixel 500 that provides a CMYKcolor scheme, although any suitable color scheme may be provided.Moreover, the example described herein uses electrowetting principles tomove the fluids around the fluid channels in a similar manner asdescribed above with reference to FIG. 1. However, it should berecognized that the electrodes may be replaced with coils to enable thefluids to be magnetically moved in a similar manner as described abovewith reference to FIG. 3 and/or FIG. 4. In addition, a combination ofelectrodes and coils may be used to move the fluids using bothelectrowetting principles and magnetic fields.

In an exemplary embodiment, first fluid channel 116 forms an outer ringof display pixel 500. First fluid channel 116 includes a first fluid 502having a cyan color and includes a second fluid 504 that issubstantially transparent. First fluid 502 and second fluid 504 haveapproximately the same volume and are substantially immiscible such thatthe fluids do not mix as the fluids are transported around first fluidchannel 116. For example, first fluid 502 may be a water-based fluid andsecond fluid 504 may be an oil-based fluid. In addition, in thisexample, first fluid 502 is acted upon by a first electrode group 506and/or a second electrode group 508 to move first fluid 502 throughfirst fluid channel 116 by electrowetting principles. Second fluid 504is moved or pushed through first fluid channel 116 by the interstitialpressure between first fluid 502 and second fluid 504. However, itshould be recognized that second fluid 504 may be selected to be a fluidthat is movable by electrowetting principles instead of, or in additionto, first fluid 502.

The electrode groups described herein include an outer source electrodeand an inner ground electrode that operate similarly to the electrodesdescribed in FIG. 1. As used herein, “outer” refers to a distance orposition that is further from inner structure 114, and “inner” refers toa distance or position that is closer to inner structure 114.

If a cyan color is desired to be displayed to a viewer, first fluid 502is moved into a viewable area 132 of first fluid channel 116 (i.e., anarea between the electrodes of first electrode group 506) and secondfluid 504 is moved out of viewable area 132 (i.e., an area between theelectrodes of second electrode group 508). On the other hand, ifviewable area 132 of first fluid channel 116 is desired to betransparent, second fluid 504 is moved into viewable area 132 and firstfluid 502 is moved out of viewable area 132. It should be recognizedthat different shades of cyan may also be displayed to the viewer bycontrolling first electrode group 506 and/or second electrode group 508to include a portion of first fluid 502 and a portion of second fluid504 within viewable area 132 in a similar manner as described above.

Second fluid channel 118 forms a middle ring of display pixel 500 thatis disposed between first fluid channel 116 and third fluid channel 120.Second fluid channel 118 includes a third fluid 510 having a magentacolor and includes a fourth fluid 512 that is substantially transparent.Third fluid 510 and fourth fluid 512 have approximately the same volumeand are substantially immiscible such that the fluids do not mix as thefluids are transported around second fluid channel 118. For example,third fluid 510 may be a water-based fluid and fourth fluid 512 may bean oil-based fluid. In addition, in this example, third fluid 510 isacted upon by a third electrode group 514 and/or a fourth electrodegroup 516 to move third fluid 510 through second fluid channel 118 byelectrowetting principles. Fourth fluid 512 is moved or pushed throughsecond fluid channel 118 by the interstitial pressure between thirdfluid 510 and fourth fluid 512. However, it should be recognized thatfourth fluid 512 may be selected to be a fluid that is movable byelectrowetting principles instead of, or in addition to, third fluid510.

If a magenta color is desired to be displayed to the viewer, third fluid510 is moved into viewable area 132 of second fluid channel 118 (i.e.,an area between the electrodes of third electrode group 514) and fourthfluid 512 is moved out of viewable area 132 (i.e., an area between theelectrodes of fourth electrode group 516). On the other hand, ifviewable area 132 of second fluid channel 118 is desired to betransparent, fourth fluid 512 is moved into viewable area 132 and thirdfluid 510 is moved out of viewable area 132. It should be recognizedthat different shades of magenta may also be displayed to the viewer bycontrolling third electrode group 514 and/or fourth electrode group 516to include a portion of third fluid 510 and a portion of fourth fluid512 within viewable area 132 in a similar manner as described above.

Third fluid channel 120 forms an inner ring of display pixel 500. Thirdfluid channel 120 includes a fifth fluid 518 having a yellow color andincludes a sixth fluid 520 that is substantially transparent. Fifthfluid 518 and sixth fluid 520 have approximately the same volume and aresubstantially immiscible such that the fluids do not mix as the fluidsare transported around third fluid channel 120. For example, fifth fluid518 may be a water-based fluid and sixth fluid 520 may be an oil-basedfluid. In addition, in this example, fifth fluid 518 is acted upon by afifth electrode group 522 and/or a sixth electrode group 524 to movefifth fluid 518 through third fluid channel 120 by electrowettingprinciples. Sixth fluid 520 is moved or pushed through third fluidchannel 120 by the interstitial pressure between fifth fluid 518 andsixth fluid 520. However, it should be recognized that sixth fluid 520may be selected to be a fluid that is movable by electrowettingprinciples instead of, or in addition to, fifth fluid 518.

If a yellow color is desired to be displayed to the viewer, fifth fluid518 is moved into viewable area 132 of third fluid channel 120 (i.e., anarea between the electrodes of fifth electrode group 522) and sixthfluid 520 is moved out of viewable area 132 (i.e., an area between theelectrodes of sixth electrode group 524). On the other hand, if viewablearea 132 of third fluid channel 120 is desired to be transparent, sixthfluid 520 is moved into viewable area 132 and fifth fluid 518 is movedout of viewable area 132. It should be recognized that different shadesof yellow may also be displayed to the viewer by controlling fifthelectrode group 522 and/or sixth electrode group 524 to include aportion of fifth fluid 518 and a portion of sixth fluid 520 withinviewable area 132 in a similar manner as described above.

It should be recognized that the electrodes of first electrode group 506and second electrode group 508 are transparent to enable light enteringdisplay pixel 500 through viewable area 132 to penetrate through firstfluid channel 116 and second fluid channel 118. In addition, an outerelectrode of third electrode group 514 is transparent to enable thelight to penetrate through third fluid channel 120. In contrast, aninner electrode of third electrode group 514 (i.e., the electrodecoupled to or positioned within inner structure 114) may be coloredblack or white (or may be reflective to appear white) such that lightreaching inner structure will be substantially absorbed or reflected,respectively. In such a manner, the inner electrode may provide a blackor a white color (or a “key” color) to complement the colors displayedby first fluid channel 116, second fluid channel 118, and third fluidchannel 120.

The fluid channels, and the fluids disposed therein, cooperate to form asubtractive color scheme. For example, if a cyan colored fluid (e.g.,first fluid 502) is positioned within viewable area 132 of first fluidchannel 116, red light is absorbed from light entering display pixel500. If a magenta colored fluid (e.g., third fluid 510) is positionedwithin viewable area 132 of second fluid channel 118, green light isabsorbed from the light entering display pixel 500. Similarly, if ayellow colored fluid (e.g., fifth fluid 518) is positioned withinviewable area 132 of third fluid channel 120, blue light is absorbedfrom the light entering display pixel 500. Moreover, controllableamounts or ratios of the fluids of each fluid channel may be positionedwithin viewable area 132 to provide different shades of colors to theviewer. In the absence of power to display pixel 500, the fluids remainin their positions as described above with reference to FIG. 1. As such,a multistable CMYK color scheme, or any other color scheme, may beprovided by display pixel 500.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary display system 600. In anexemplary embodiment, display system 600 includes a plurality of displaypixels 602 and a display controller 604 coupled to display pixels 602.While two display pixels 602 are illustrated in FIG. 6, it should berecognized that any number of display pixels 602 may be coupled todisplay controller 604. Display pixels 602 may be display pixels 100,200, 300, 400, or 500, or any combinations thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, display controller 604 includes a controlcircuit 606, a memory device 608, and a driver circuit 610. Memorydevice 608 and driver circuit 610 are coupled to control circuit 606. Inan exemplary embodiment, one or more transistors (not shown) are coupledto, or included within, each display pixel 602 to enable control circuit606 and driver circuit 610 to select (or address) and control eachdisplay pixel 602. The selection and control of each display pixel 602may be accomplished in a similar manner as LCD and display technologiesknown in the art, for example.

Control circuit 606 includes any suitable programmable circuit includingone or more microcontrollers, microprocessors, reduced instruction setcircuits (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC),programmable logic circuits (PLC), field programmable gate arrays(FPGA), and any other circuit capable of executing the functionsdescribed herein. In an exemplary embodiment, control circuit 606 isused to control display pixels 602 to display a selected image or color.

Memory device 608 includes a computer readable storage medium, such as,without limitation, random access memory (RAM), flash memory, and/or anysuitable memory. In the exemplary embodiment, memory device 608 includesdata and/or instructions that are executable by control circuit 606 toenable control circuit 606 to perform the functions described herein.Additionally or alternatively, memory device 608 may be used to storedata representative of a desired image or color to be displayed usingdisplay pixels 602 and/or may be used to store data representative of acurrent state of display pixels 602, such as a color currently displayedby each display pixel 602.

Driver circuit 610 is used to adjust a voltage and/or a current providedto display pixels 602. For example, driver circuit 610 may increase avoltage provided by control circuit 606 to a level needed to activatedisplay pixels 602 to change the color or colors displayed by displaypixels 602. In one embodiment, control circuit 606 provides a voltageapproximately equal to 5 volts (V) and display pixels 602 are suppliedwith, or are “driven” by, a voltage approximately equal to 15 V.Alternatively, control circuit 606 may provide a voltage of about 3.3 Vor any other suitable voltage higher or lower than 5 V. Likewise,display pixels 602 may be supplied with a voltage within a range betweenabout 10 V and about 20 V inclusive, or any other voltage above or below15 V. Driver circuit 610 is coupled to the electrodes (e.g., source anddrain electrodes) or coils of each display pixel 602 to provide thedesired voltage to each display pixel 602. Driver circuit 610 andcontrol circuit 606 may select or address each individual display pixel602 to separately control each display pixel 602 using any suitableaddressing scheme known in the art.

In one embodiment, display pixels 602 are arranged in a matrix of pixelsthat are individually controlled by display controller 604 (i.e.,control circuit 606 and driver circuit 610). Accordingly, each displaypixel 602 is controlled to display a color corresponding to a portion ofthe image or color selected to be displayed by display controller 604.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a grouping of pixels (referred to herein asa “macro pixel 700). While FIG. 7 illustrates macro pixel 700 asincluding four display pixels 602, it should be recognized that macropixel 700 may include any suitable number of display pixels 602 asdesired.

In an exemplary embodiment, macro pixel 700 is an optimized arrangementof display pixels 602 that facilitates providing a uniform display ofthe display pixels 602 used to display an image. If display pixels 602include display pixels 500 (shown in FIG. 5) that are used to display animage, the color provided by third fluid 128 (e.g., yellow in theexample described in FIG. 5) may appear muted as compared to the colorprovided by first fluid 124 (e.g., cyan) because light may be absorbedor diffracted as the light travels through the fluid channels and layersabove third fluid 128. As a result, the color provided by third fluid128 within third fluid channel 120 may appear “washed out” or lackingintensity.

To correct for this potential undesirable effect, display pixels 500within macro pixel 700 may each have a different arrangement of coloredfluids within the respective fluid channels. For example, 3 displaypixels 500 (shown in FIG. 5) may be arranged in macro pixel 700 suchthat a first display pixel 702 has colors arranged as colors 1-2-3(e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow) from top to bottom (e.g., from first fluidchannel 116 to third fluid channel 120). Likewise, a second displaypixel 704 may have colors arranged as colors 2-3-1 (e.g., magenta,yellow, cyan) from top to bottom, and a third display pixel 706 may havecolors arranged as colors 3-1-2 (e.g., yellow, cyan, magenta) from topto bottom. Additionally, first display pixel 702, second display pixel704, and third display pixel 706 may have a bottom electrode (i.e., theinner electrode of third electrode group 514 described in FIG. 5) thatis reflective or colored white. A fourth display pixel 708 may have onefluid colored white (e.g., first fluid 124 within first fluid channel116) and may have a second fluid colored black (e.g., second fluid 126within second fluid channel 118) to facilitate displaying white or blackcolors within macro pixel 700.

Alternatively, display pixels 602 may be arranged having any colors inany suitable alternating order. Accordingly, macro pixel 700 mayfacilitate evening out an intensity of the colors displayed by displaypixels 602 where otherwise the third color and/or the second colors mayhave a lower intensity by virtue of being positioned beneath the firstcolor in display pixels 500. It should be recognized that macro pixel700 may be controlled as a whole by display controller 604 (shown inFIG. 6) or each display pixel 602 may be controlled separately withinmacro pixel 700 by display controller 604.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary display system 800. Displaysystem 800 includes a display 802 and a control device 804 forcontrolling display 802. In one embodiment, display 802 is used as acover or “skin” for a device, such as a cell phone, a tablet computingdevice, an e-reader, or the like. Alternatively, display 802 may be usedto cover any device, wall, component, material, appliance, or any othersurface. Display 802 may be used to provide a multistable full colorcovering that enables a user to change a color, image, or text displayedon display 802 as described more fully herein. While the exampledescribed herein is directed to a cell phone cover, it should berecognized that display 802 may be used with any suitable object asdesired.

In an exemplary embodiment, display 802 includes one or more layers ofmaterial. For example, display 802 includes a display layer 806 thatincludes a plurality of display elements 808. In an exemplaryembodiment, display elements 808 are display pixels 602 and/or macropixels 700 that are arranged in a fully addressable matrix as describedabove. Display layer 806, and display elements 808 included therein, maybe controlled to present any image, color, and/or text to a viewer.

Display 802 may also include a top protective layer 810 positioned onthe top of display layer 806 (i.e., between display layer 806 and theviewer looking at display 802 from direction of view 104) and a bottomprotective layer 812 positioned on the bottom of display layer 806(i.e., the side of display layer 806 facing away from the viewer withrespect to direction of view 104). In an exemplary embodiment, topprotective layer 810 is transparent to visible light to enable theviewer to see display layer 806 through top protective layer 810. Bottomprotective layer 812 is hidden from the viewer by display layer 806during normal operation, so bottom protective layer 812 is not requiredto be transparent (although it may be transparent in some embodiments).It should be recognized that one or more of the layers (except displaylayer 806) may be omitted from display 802.

Top protective layer 810 is manufactured from a material selected toprovide scratch and impact resistance to display. In one embodiment, topprotective layer 810 is manufactured from a transparent silicone orsilicone-based material. In another embodiment, top protective layer 810is manufactured from a transparent plastic material, a transparentpolycarbonate material, or any combination of the aforementionedmaterials. It should be recognized that the examples are illustrativeonly, and other suitable materials may be used instead or in addition tothe enumerated materials. In an exemplary embodiment, an ultraviolet(UV) absorbent material, such as UV absorbent particulates or one ormore dyes, is entrained within top protective layer 810 to absorb atleast some of the ultraviolet light entering display 802. In oneembodiment, the UV absorbent material may be provided as a film coveringall or part of top protective layer 810 (or another suitable layer).

Bottom protective layer 812 may be similar to top protective layer 810and may be manufactured from the same material or materials. In oneembodiment, however, bottom protective layer 812 is not manufacturedfrom a transparent material. In an exemplary embodiment, bottomprotective layer 812 is positioned against the surface of the cell phone(or other device) to form a skin or cover for the cell phone such thattop protective layer 810 faces the user or viewer of the cell phoneduring use. Bottom protective layer 812 may be adhesive and/or may befitted to the contours of the cell phone to enable display 802 to beremovably fastened to the cell phone.

In an exemplary embodiment, control device 804 includes displaycontroller 604, a control device display 814 coupled to displaycontroller 604, and an input device 816 coupled to display controller604. Control device 804 may also include any other suitable component ordevice to enable control device 804 to operate as described herein.Control device 804 may connect to, and/or control, display 802 through aport (not shown) on display 802 and/or may connect to, and/or control,display through wireless means, such as near field technology or othersuitable wireless technologies. In one embodiment, control device 804 isa handheld device that is removably coupled to display 802 by anelectrical cable or other suitable means. Alternatively, control device804 may be a desktop computer or any other suitable device.

Control device display 814 may be used to display a user interface to auser to enable the user to operate control device 804. For example,control device display 814 may present a plurality of colors and/orimages to the user to be displayed by display elements 808 (e.g.,display pixels 602 and/or macro pixels 700). As such, control device 804can be thought of as transferring the selected colors and/or images todisplay 802 and/or display elements 808 so that display elements 808display the colors and/or images to a viewer. Control device display 814may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a vacuumfluorescent display (VFD), a plasma display, a light-emitting diode(LED) display, one or more LEDs, and/or any suitable visual outputdevice capable of displaying graphical data and text to a user.

Input device 816 may include, for example, a keyboard, a keypad, atouch-sensitive screen, a mouse, a scroll wheel, a pointing device, anaudio input device employing speech-recognition software, and/or anysuitable device that enables a user to input data into control device804 and/or retrieve data from control device 804.

During operation, one or more colors and/or images may be displayed tothe user on control device display 814. The user may select a color oran image (or more than one color and/or image) using input device 816.Display controller 604 may store data representative of the selectedcolor and/or image in memory device 608 (shown in FIG. 6). Controlcircuit 606 and driver circuit 610 (both shown in FIG. 6) select oraddress each display element 808 in display 802 and control each displayelement 808 to cause each display element 808 to display a color orcombination of colors that cause the selected color and/or image to bedisplayed to the viewer. Once each display element 808 displays thedesired color to cause the selected color or image to be displayed,power may be removed from display 802 until a new color or image isselected to be displayed on display 802. When power is removed, eachdisplay element 808 continues to display the respective color using thefluids within the fluid channels as described above. Accordingly, animage or color may be displayed on display 802 using a small amount ofpower (as compared to known LCD and LED technologies) and the image orcolor may be maintained without using any power.

In some embodiments, power may be supplied to display pixels 602 and/ordisplay elements 808 through one or more batteries or other electricalstorage elements coupled to display pixels 602 and/or display elements808, and/or through another device, such as display controller 604and/or control device 804. For example, if display pixels 602 and/ordisplay elements 808 are incorporated into a device cover, such as acell phone cover, one or more batteries or other electrical storageelements may be incorporated into the cover to provide power to displaypixels 602 and/or display elements 808. Alternatively or additionally,the device cover (and display pixels 602 and/or display elements 808)may be electrically coupled to a power output connection of the cellphone or other device to receive power from the cell phone or otherdevice. In one embodiment, display pixels 602 and/or display elements808 may receive power through a connection to control device 804.

As described herein, a plurality of electrofluidic display pixels areprovided. In some embodiments, the display pixels may be incorporatedinto a display or into a cover for a device, such as a cell phone coveror a cover for another mobile device. The display pixels include aplurality of fluid channels, and each fluid channel includes at leastone fluid configured to display a selected color to a viewer. Thedisplay pixels use one or more circuit elements, such as one or moreelectrodes, conductive coils, or the like, to transport the fluidsthrough the fluid channels using electrowetting technology and/ormagnetic fields. When the fluids are transported into a viewable area ofthe display pixel, the color or color characteristic of the fluids aredisplayed to the viewer. The fluids retain their position when power isremoved so that each display pixel maintains the display of the color orcolors to the viewer without requiring any power. Accordingly, thedisplay pixels may be used to provide selected colors or images to aviewer using a subtractive color scheme, or any other color scheme,while only requiring power to be used to change the display pixels todisplay another color or image.

Exemplary embodiments of a display pixel and a device cover aredescribed above in detail. The display pixel and device cover are notlimited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather,components of the display pixel and/or device cover may be utilizedindependently and separately from other components and/or stepsdescribed herein. For example, the display pixel may also be used withother display technologies and devices, and is not limited to practicewith only the device cover as described herein.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the disclosure maybe shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenienceonly. In accordance with the principles of the disclosure, any featureof a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with anyfeature of any other drawing.

This written description uses examples to describe embodiments of thedisclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any personskilled in the art to practice the embodiments, including making andusing any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods.The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and mayinclude other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Suchother examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if theyhave structural elements that do not differ from the literal language ofthe claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements withinsubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display apparatus comprising: a plurality ofdisplay pixels, each display pixel comprising: a first fluid channelcomprising a first fluid having a first color characteristic; a secondfluid channel in flow communication with said first fluid channel, saidsecond fluid channel comprising a second fluid having a second colorcharacteristic; and a third fluid channel in flow communication withsaid second fluid channel, said third fluid channel comprising a thirdfluid having a third color characteristic.
 2. The display apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first color characteristic causes a first color tobe displayed to a viewer and the second color characteristic causes thesecond fluid to be transparent to the viewer.
 3. The display apparatusof claim 2, wherein each said display pixel further comprises a circuitelement configured to cause a second color to be displayed to the viewerwhen said second fluid is in a viewable area of said display pixel. 4.The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein each said display pixelcomprises at least one circuit element configured to transport saidsecond fluid into said first fluid channel.
 5. The display apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein said at least one circuit element comprises at leastone electrode or at least one conductive coil.
 6. The display apparatusof claim 1, wherein at least one of said first fluid channel, saidsecond fluid channel, and said third fluid channel is formed by atransparent material.
 7. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein eachsaid display pixel further comprises a fourth fluid channel in flowcommunication with said third fluid channel, said fourth fluid channelcomprising a fourth fluid having a fourth color characteristic.
 8. Adisplay pixel comprising: a first fluid channel comprising a first fluidhaving a first color characteristic; a second fluid channel in flowcommunication with said first fluid channel, said second fluid channelcomprising a second fluid having a second color characteristic; and athird fluid channel in flow communication with said second fluidchannel, said third fluid channel comprising a third fluid having athird color characteristic.
 9. The display pixel of claim 8, wherein thefirst color characteristic causes a first color to be displayed to aviewer and the second color characteristic causes the second fluid to betransparent to the viewer.
 10. The display pixel of claim 9, furthercomprising a circuit element configured to cause a second color to bedisplayed to the viewer when said second fluid is in a viewable area ofsaid display pixel.
 11. The display pixel of claim 8, further comprisingat least one circuit element configured to transport said second fluidinto said first fluid channel.
 12. The display pixel of claim 11,wherein said at least one circuit element comprises at least oneelectrode or at least one conductive coil.
 13. The display pixel ofclaim 8, wherein at least one of said first fluid channel, said secondfluid channel, and said third fluid channel is formed by a transparentmaterial.
 14. The display pixel of claim 8, further comprising a fourthfluid channel in flow communication with said third fluid channel, saidfourth fluid channel comprising a fourth fluid having a fourth colorcharacteristic.
 15. A method of displaying a selected colorcharacteristic within a display pixel, said method comprising: providinga display pixel for use in displaying an image, the display pixelincluding: a viewable area; a first fluid channel including a firstfluid having a first color characteristic; a second fluid channel inflow communication with the first fluid channel, the second fluidchannel including a second fluid having a second color characteristic;and a third fluid channel in flow communication with the second fluidchannel, the third fluid channel including a third fluid having a thirdcolor characteristic; selecting the first, second, or third colorcharacteristic; upon a determination that the second colorcharacteristic is selected, generating at least one electrical signal tomove the second fluid into the viewable area; upon a determination thatthe third color characteristic is selected, generating at least oneelectrical signal to move the third fluid into the viewable area; upon adetermination that the first color characteristic is selected,generating at least one electrical signal to move the first fluid intothe viewable area.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the display pixelincludes a circuit element having an associated color that is displayedto a viewer when the second fluid is within the viewable area.
 17. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the display pixel includes at least onecircuit element configured to transport the second fluid into the firstfluid channel when the at least one electrical signal is generated. 18.The method of claim 15, wherein the display pixel includes a fourthfluid channel in flow communication with the third fluid channel, thefourth fluid including a fourth fluid having a fourth colorcharacteristic.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein moving the secondfluid into the first fluid channel causes the third fluid to move intothe second fluid channel.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein moving thesecond fluid into the first fluid channel causes the fourth fluid tomove into the third fluid channel.